Powers/Abilities: Grendell stood over twice as tall than Thor,
making him about 13', but was missing his left arm, an injury sustained
in a much earlier battle. His strength was close to a weakened Thor,
putting him around Superhuman class 25-50. His stamina was at least
Superhuman, as was his durability, although he could still be injured
and dismembered, and could not regenerate missing limbs. Grendell also
had light green blood. He wielded a war club that was over 3' long and
wore colored body armor that was similar in design to the Dark Elves'
warriors. He had excellent combat skills, although this was not part of
professional training. His mother mystically safeguarded Grendell from
death, which permitted him to survive otherwise mortal injuries, as
well as a strong resistance to iron, a material with potentially deadly
effects for Elves. Because of this, he was at least semi-immortal and
able to survive at least limited dismemberment, although his recovery
seemed to take a very long time. Grendell was carnivorous and had a
taste for human flesh. He also seemed to have quite a surly disposition
with very good night vision given his initial Danish attacks.

History:

(Thor I#377 (fb) BTS) - Grendel's
mother placed enchantments on him to protect him from death and the
dire effects of iron.

(Historical) - Circa 500 AD,
Grendel and his unnamed mother lived among the marshes and lakes of
Denmark, devouring those they came across. Grendel preyed on the
sleeping men of King Hrothgar, king of the Danes, after they had dined
in the King's great hall called Heorot. Having heard of the scourge of
Grendel, the mighty warrior Beowulf (possibly an alias of Gilgamesh or
Ulysses Bloodstone) traveled to the Hall and tackled Grendel during one
his raids. The two wrestled fiercely until Beowulf was able to rip off
Grendel's left arm. Badly wounded, Grendel went back to his swamp lair
where it was alleged he died. Grendel's mother later sought revenge and
battled Beowulf.

(Thor I#377) - Thor's forging of
Asgardian steel to make a suit of personal armor in Pittsburgh
reverberated to the Dark Elves' realm of Svartalfheim, smashing portals
there. Wormwood, leader of the Dark Elves, recognizing the deadly
effect that Asgardian steel had upon his kind, decided to release
Grendell, summoning the creature from a deep pit that was its lair.
Grendell emerged from his lair and was made ready to attack Thor.

Clad completely in armor, the Dark
Warriors of Svartalfheim attacked the foundry where Thor was working.
Thor drove off the Elves with a blast from his hammer, Mjolnir, but was
suddenly confronted by Grendell and his massive war club. Grendell
swung his club at Thor, but was countered by Mjolnir. However, this
injured the weakened Thor, shattering his hand. Seeing Thor drop his
hammer, the Elves sought to attack the thunder god, but he caused the
molten steel to rain down them; as they fled, they called out to
Grendell to help them. Grendell renewed his attack and Thor was soon
overcome by hordes of Dark Elves and Grendell's blows. However, Thor
summoned Mjolnir, which struck Grendell in the back as it flew back to
the thunder god. The injured Thor then broke off a nearby iron pole and
pierced Grendell's armor. Bleeding green, Grendell ordered the Dark
Elves to hold Thor down so he could be clubbed to death, but first
saluted Thor's valor. However, Loki teleported Thor away at that point,
leaving Grendell crying out for vengeance.

(Incredible Hercules#136) -
Malekith, furious that Thor and Hercules had managed to thwart his
plans of invading Asgard, let loose Grendell against the pair, who were
already tired from fighting each other. His club scattered the heroes,
but Zeus, still in his reborn child-like form, blasted him from behind
with a massive bolt of lightning.